First of all, this is a good question but I don't have the answer to this question.
I recently came across an intriguing Chinese expression: 油腻感 (yóu nì gǎn), which translates to "a greasy feeling." Literally, it refers to the sensation of something being oily, heavy, or overly rich—unpleasant in an excessive way.
What makes this expression particularly interesting is its metaphorical use to describe people who exude an undesirable sense of excess, heaviness, or insincerity. It can evoke feelings of second-hand embarrassment, especially when someone is trying too hard to impress.
Figuratively, it’s often applied to describe individuals who come across as overly flashy or desperate to appear sophisticated, resulting in an impression of shallowness and pretense.
More specifically, it's commonly used to critique middle-aged men who are seen as self-indulgent, pompous, or lacking in refinement. They might appear unkempt or give off an air of insincerity, marked by false confidence or vanity, as they attempt—unsuccessfully—to project success or charm.
The term gained traction in Chinese internet culture as a way to criticize these men who, in their efforts to seem worldly or accomplished or successful, actually seem out of touch or unappealing.
"Greasiness" conveys a sense of complacency, indulgence, or someone who has grown too comfortable in their habits, trying too hard to be charming or sophisticated, but ultimately leaving a negative, off-putting impression.
It's worth noting that this type of "greasy" man isn't exclusive to Chinese culture; men with inflated egos, overconfidence, and a desperate need to project success exist in every society.
Whether in the East or the West, the traits of vanity, insincerity, and excess seem to transcend cultural and national boundaries. It's no exaggeration to say that men—no matter where they are from—are often susceptible to letting their egos get the better of them, creating the same uncomfortable, greasy impression, even when they're trying to achieve the opposite.